Boxing: Statement from England Boxing
and confirmation from IABA
by Michael O'Neill
January 25, 2017

(JAN 25) Following the grave
concern expressed by parents and children as a result of the
AIBA’s announcement on ‘no headgear’ for women and other
categories of Boxer, some good news just through from two
Associations in Europe, Boxing England and the Irish Athletic
Boxing Association (IABA).

An announcement from Boxing England on Wednesday night :

Statement from England Boxing, following new guidance from AIBA
on use of headguards:

AIBA recently issued guidance to all National Federations
granting them permission to amend AIBA Technical Rules on the
use of headguards in national competitions, to reflect national
laws and conditions, provided any changes do not diminish the
rules, especially those regarding medical and safety
requirements.

This guidance was discussed at a recent meeting of England
Boxing’s Championships Technical Rules Referees & Judges Sub
Committee where it was decided to maintain the current position
on headguards whereby:

Senior (those aged 18 or over on 1 January each year) MALE elite
boxers do not wear headguards in competition Headguards continue
to be worn in competition by all female boxers and male boxers
at youth, junior and school levels

This position is based on feedback from our members and analysis
of current medical evidence which reveals that whilst there is a
strong case for the removal of headguards amongst senior male
boxers, there has not been enough medical research in this area
to warrant making the same decision for all female boxers and
male juniors, youths and schools boxers”.

A spokesman for the IABA in Dublin has also confirmed that the
Irish association had already met and decided to do the same as
England Boxing has now done.

Having campaigned strongly against the introduction of “no
headgear” rule of 19th December, it is good to see at least two
NGB’s immediately taking steps to ensure the health and welfare
of their young boxers. Let us now hope that this advice will
also be followed by both the AIBA themselves and EUBC and other
Continental Confederations throughout 2017 and at very least
until there are detailed reports made available to the public
especially boxers,coaches and parents outlining any contrary
findings by the AIBA.

We now await similar news from other countries such as Canada
(who have always taken a keen interest in boxers welfare), USA
Boxing and Australia and all countries who believe that safety
must come before financial considerations.

Insisting on ‘no headgear’ for all left the AIBA in the position
of being seen as a very arrogant sporting organisation that
appeared to not take into account the wishes of those whose
participation in the sport ensures the very existence of the
AIBA and its associated NGBs.

This also shows that pressure from parents and media
organisations like ours , do help to ensure that unreasonable
risks are not taken or new rules pushed through without proper
consultation with boxers, coaches, parents and ALL sections of
the medical profession.

Make no mistake though but the AIBA almost certainly will
continue to pursue a “no headgear” for all rule in 2018 so this
is but a ‘temporary reprieve’ so it remains the responsibility
of each and every one of the 201 AIBA NGBs to satisfy themselves
BEYOND any reasonable doubt that it is their DUTY to consult
with ALL interested parties and not just GO AHEAD based on
‘secretive internal Executive Council meetings” many of which
were even opposed by their own boxing commissions.